Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

2010 Honda Civic air conditoner blowing warm air. however the air is cold in the mornings so this only happens in the afternoon when it's warmer. any thoughts on what could be causing this and how to fix? should I buy one of those ac recharger kits or is this not low freon issue?

justme wrote: Sat Jul 19, 2025 8:57 am 2010 Honda Civic air conditoner blowing warm air. however the air is cold in the mornings so this only happens in the afternoon when it's warmer. any thoughts on what could be causing this and how to fix?

Crap - I thought I responded to this a few hours ago, but I'm a computer idiot. I'll try to "re-create" my post.

Disclaimer: I'm NOT an AC professional, but I used to be smart, and I do live in Arizona, so am familiar with AC and hot temperatures !

1. Check for engine/condenser/radiator fans ALL running in the afternoons.

2. Visually check in the afternoon if the AC compressor clutch is engaged/center drive plate is turning at same rate as the outer pulley.

justme wrote: Sat Jul 19, 2025 8:57 am should I buy one of those ac recharger kits or is this not low freon issue?

ABSOLUTELY NOT !!!! Even a "recharge kit" with a "gauge" cannot tell if a system is low on refrigerant. And most of those kits contain a sealer and sealer chemicals, which can permanently ruin an AC system.

Even correct type of low side and high side service gauges measuring pressures at 2000 rpm only gives a hint. The only way to determine if refrigerant charge is correct is for a specialized machine to extract the refrigerant and weigh it,and compare to factory specifications.

Cusser wrote: Sat Jul 19, 2025 8:16 pm ... I thought I responded to this a few hours ago, but I'm a computer idiot. I'll try to "re-create" my post.
Disclaimer: I'm NOT an AC professional, but I used to be smart, and I do live in Arizona, so am familiar with AC and hot temperatures!

Cusser, too funny!

But back to the problem at hand:

It's a 2010 model year car, about 15 years old, and the system might be low on refrigerant due to seasonal losses from the compressor shaft seal, which normally leaks a minuscule amount to keep it lubricated.

The issue you're describing suggests that the evaporator is icing up, a sign of a low charge. First thing is to have the system serviced by a shop—that is, recovered, evacuated, and recharged to specifications. At the same time, the shop should scan it for leaks elsewhere.